What is tip? Pronunciation and usage in English

tip means . Learn how to pronounce and use tip through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of tip

tipnoun/verb

/tɪp/
Definition & pronunciation of tip

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "tip" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and it depends on what you're referring to!

1. "Tip" as in a pointed piece of wood or a small amount (like a tip for a waiter):

  • Pronunciation: /tɪp/
  • Sounds: "tip" - very short and quick.
  • Breakdown:
    • "t" - like the "t" in "top"
    • "i" - as in "bit"
    • "p" - as in "pen"

2. "Tip" as in to incline or give something quickly (like tipping a hat):

  • Pronunciation: /tɪp/ (the same as above!)
  • Sounds: "tip" - very short and quick.
  • Breakdown: Same as above.

Key things to remember:

  • Short and quick: Both pronunciations are very brief. Do not over-elongate them.
  • Stress: The stress falls on the first syllable ("ti").

Resources to help you hear it:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you using the word "tip" for? (e.g., giving a waiter a gratuity, describing a pointy object, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word tip in English

Let's break down how to use the word "tip" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (Action of Giving):

  • To give a small amount of money as a reward for good service: This is the most common meaning.
    • "We tipped the waiter generously for a good meal."
    • "Don't forget to tip the hairdresser."
    • "I always tip when I get a taxi."
  • To incline or lean something:
    • "He tipped the hat to the lady." (A small gesture of respect)
    • "The vase tipped over and broke."
  • To give a brief hint or suggestion:
    • "Can you tip me off about the best place to eat?" (Meaning: give me a hint)
    • "He tipped me off to a mistake I had made."

2. As a Noun (The Action & The Result):

  • The small amount of money given as a reward:
    • "I left a $20 tip for the server."
    • "The tip jar is overflowing."
  • A slight angle or slope:
    • "The road has a sharp tip."
    • "The pen tipped over."
  • A point or peak (often referring to a mountain or landform):
    • "The tip of the mountain was covered in snow."
  • A brief hint or piece of information: (Same as the verb usage)
    • "I got a tip about a new sale."

3. Figurative Uses:

  • A secret or inside information: ("I got a tip that the company was going bankrupt.")
  • A suggestion or advice: ("I’d tip you to wear a hat in the sun.")

Here’s a table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb Reward for service “I tipped the taxi driver.”
Verb To incline/lean “The table tipped over.”
Verb To give a hint “He tipped me off about the game.”
Noun Money as a reward “I left a generous tip.”
Noun A slight angle “The boat tipped precariously.”
Noun A peak (mountain, etc.) “The tip of the iceberg was visible.”

Tips for Using "Tip" Correctly:

  • Formality: "Tip" is generally informal. For more formal situations (like writing a business letter), you might use “provide a gratuity” instead.
  • Context is key: The meaning of "tip" is often clear from the surrounding words.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted information, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "tip" in? (e.g., writing a sentence, understanding a conversation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word tip

Idioms of the word tip

on the tip of your tongue
if a word or name is on the tip of your tongue, you are sure that you know it but you cannot remember it
    the tip of the iceberg
    only a small part of a much larger problem
    • This figure represents only the tip of the iceberg, since as many as 90% of cases go unreported.

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